The Tamil Nadu government is embarking on a transformative initiative to enhance primary education by introducing smart boards and broadband connectivity in over 23,000 government primary schools across the state.
The project, currently underway, aims to equip schools with modern technology to enrich students' learning experiences.
According to J. Kumaragurubaran, the School Education Secretary, the installation of smart boards is specifically targeted towards primary school children, with approximately 22,791 schools set to receive these interactive learning tools. Schools with higher student populations will even benefit from multiple smart boards, facilitating broader access to digital learning resources.
The introduction of smart boards is not merely about integrating technology into classrooms; it's about leveraging visuals and multimedia to enhance learning outcomes. The initiative includes the development of educational videos across various subjects, which will be displayed on the smart boards to supplement classroom instruction.
The utilization of smart boards will initially be integrated into the curriculum for two hours per week per class, with plans to expand its inclusion further. This strategic approach aims to help students grasp complex concepts more effectively and develop a deeper understanding of their lessons.
As of May 1, progress on this ambitious project has seen over 500 smart boards installed in various schools across Tamil Nadu. Schools in Andimadam, Ariyalur, Cuddalore (Kattumannarkoil, Mangalore, Nallur, Panruti), Nagapattinam (Vedaranyam), Salem region (Kolathur, Nangavalli, Pethanaickenpalayam, Tharamangalam, Yercaud), Tiruvarur (Muthupettai), and Villupuram (Marakkanam, Melmalayanur, Thiruvennainallur) have already benefitted from the implementation of smart boards.
In addition to smart boards, the government is also focusing on setting up high-tech labs for middle school students, providing approximately 10 systems per school to around 8,000 middle schools across the state. These labs will enable students to learn coding, programming languages like Python, and other IT skills from an early age, aligning educational practices with the demands of the modern workforce.
Furthermore, the government is equipping around 80,000 primary school teachers with tablets to facilitate teaching, content creation, and student assessments. This comprehensive approach underscores the commitment of Tamil Nadu to prioritize education and prepare students for success in a technology-driven world.
The total investment for these transformative initiatives is estimated at ₹1,100 crore, reflecting the government's dedication to leveraging technology to elevate the quality of education and empower the next generation of learners in Tamil Nadu.